Obama hails Dingell as longest-serving congressman

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Wednesday hailed Rep. John Dingell, the longest-serving member in the history of the House, as a "model of tireless commitment."

Dingell, the Michigan Democrat and longtime advocate for Detroit's automakers, earned the record distinction by serving his 19,420th day in Congress on Wednesday. The president hosted Dingell at the White House to thank him for his service, and then issued a statement lauding his record.

Dingell, 82, led the House Energy and Commerce Committee from 1981 until 1994, when Republicans took control of the House, and then for the past two years, until he was ousted by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif. Obama said Dingell's investigations into waste, fraud, and abuse have "protected American consumers from inferior government contracting, deceptive drug marketing and insider trading."

Added the president: "On behalf of the American people, let me say, 'Thank you, Chairman Dingell' for your decades of distinguished service."